A small Warwickshire town has beaten others to become the first council in the county to pick up a top award.

Whitnash town council has become one of just eight parish and town councils in the country to be approved under The Quality Parish and Town Council Scheme.

It means it has earned government approval for its efforts to get residents involved in the community?s development.

Whitnash mayor Bernard Kirton said: ?I think the council is unique in that all its 15 members are from the residents? association.

?We are also fortunate that our town clerk is one of the few clerks with full qualifications.

?We also have the ability to communicate with people - I don?t think anyone is in doubt of that. We are the only council in Warwickshire with this recommendation and I believe the only one in the West Midlands.?

Town clerk Gurdip Padden said it was hard work preparing to meet the government?s quality tests.

She said: ?One of the key tests is communication. The council has to demonstrate it is in touch with the community.

?Indeed, if they let me know before a meeting, they can raise and discuss any matter with the council. Our town council meetings are open to the public and the councillors hold regular surgeries as well.?

The town councillors get no expenses, unlike district and county councillors, she added.

?Whitnash town council will next week hold a public meeting about the effectiveness of anti-social behaviour orders and nuisance youths.

Among the speakers is Warwick and Leamington MP James Plaskitt and the chief crown prosecutor for Leamington, Mark Lynn.

The meeting is at Whitnash Community Hall, Acre Close, Whitnash, on Thursday, October 30, at 7.30pm. All welcome.